New Camelbak bag

[Rob]

Check out this new bag I saw at Interbike.  The specs are very impressive and it looks like it'll be very comfortable. 

It's the Octane 24.   









Comparing these specs to the Osprey.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=96&colorCode=375&tab=specifications

The Camelbak weighs a little more than half the weight of the lightweight Talon 22, yet it has 361 more cu in of capacity.

The Talon can however hold more water.  I could squeeze two 100oz bladders in the sleeve of the Talon, but that probably won't be possible with the Camelbak.

The Talon definitely has sturdier material, but the Camelbak's material is probably strong enough.


 

[donmeredith74]

Nice! Might be perfect for my backpacking & bikepacking. Any idea when it will be available?

[Slim]

It is nice to see Camelback finally come into the lightweight world. They have some great packs but they were all tanks.

You have to make sure you are comparing apples to apples when you look at pack weight/volume. The Osprey has a frame and it looks like the Camelback doesn't, is that true?

[donmeredith74]

Its hard to tell if the Camelbak does or doesn't. I actually prefer no frame on my UL packs (re: GoLite Ion). I can use my sleep pad as the frame and pack inside of that. I can't find a bit of information on this pack on the 'net. I'm looking forward to a press release or an official review somewhere!

[Rob]

I don't know when they'll be available.  I'll call my rep up and see what he says, I'm definitely going to order one as soon as they are available so I'll post more pics and info as I get it.



 

[12wheels]

It looks like a pretty nice bag.  Does it come with the digital flow meter? (sarcasm intended)  http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/7292

[donmeredith74]

That's the first I've heard of that. I HAVE to have a flow meeter (rolls eyes).

Rob, any word from your Camelbak rep? I'm thinking pretty hard about getting a MLD Prophet.

[OurManInTheNorth]

Interestingly Osprey are doing a new bikepacking bag. Looks similar to the Talon but with a fairly cool sounding pad/reservoir combo which presumably saves weight but also is said to make it easier to get it in when full (I've got an MSR 6 lite jobbie in my Talon 22 that is a right pain to push back inside when the bag is full). Details here (no sizes/weights mentioned) but no word on the Osprey website or release dates:

http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/7304

[OurManInTheNorth]

Another pic, different colour here:

http://www.singletrackworld.com/2009/10/fresh-goods-friday/

(halfway down)

Say's it is not out until Feb, and looks like it's a 14 litre (presumably there will be a 24 too and maybe a 34 if anything like their other ranges)

[Pivvay]

Cool to see CB actually getting lighter. Their stuff has been super heavy for a while.  Still not really a pack that interests me but I like the innovation and I could see it being popular and easy to recommend.

The Black Diamond Flash pack is still my favorite if it's big enough for the job and I plan on carrying a pack for the full trip.

[Rob]

That's the first I've heard of that. I HAVE to have a flow meeter (rolls eyes).

Rob, any word from your Camelbak rep? I'm thinking pretty hard about getting a MLD Prophet.

Sorry been off from work for the past few days.  I'm off til next week as well.  I'll check into it when I get back. 

[OurManInTheNorth]

More details on the Osprey Raptor:

The Raptor Series is comprised of three sized however they share these features:

•   LidLock helmet clip (patent pending)
•   Top zippered pocket for quick access
•   Side compression straps
•   Full elastic stretch sternum strap
•   Magnetic sternum buckle
•   Main compartment with tool organization sleeves/mesh pockets
•   Blinker light attachment patch
•   Stretch woven front pocket
•   Reflective graphics

Raptor 18
Ideal for long mountain bike rides and adventure racing, the Raptor 18 offers a large front zippered pocket with shove-it pocket behind and a three-liter reservoir.
•   S/M – 1100 cu. in., 18 liters, weight: 1 lb., 15 oz., reservoir weight 9 oz.
•   M/L – 1100 cu. in., 18 liters, weight: 2 lb., 1 oz., reservoir weight 9 oz.
•   MSRP: $119

14, 19 and 6 litres also available.

Bit worried about the weight - the bladder is only half the size of my MSR but 1 oz heavier, and if the pack weight doesn't include the bladder, it gains 6 oz over my Talon 22 (large vs large) and loses 4 liters of room (and possibly 3 liters of water). If the weight includes the bladder then it loses 3 oz for the 4 liter loss in size against the Talon 22 which would seem more reasonable. Shame there isn't another size up in both pack and bladder size - I reckon the increased ease of getting the bladder in is probably cancelled by the fact there was more space in the Talon to shove it into in the first place. Look forwards to the reviews though...

[donkey]

We just got this pack into stock.....looks good....but might not be the best bet for a full load of food/water as there is considerably less support/structure to it than a Talon 22.

For a very light load this thing seems great. They definitely saved ALOT of weight in the webbing they used....this stuff is SVELTE!

B

[Pivvay]

the camelback right? full load of water and food is subjective but I can put 4L of water and stuff the rest with food in my 7oz BD pack and have no real comfort issues. We're not talking about 20lbs obviously but with decent shoulder strap padding it's not a problem.

Even my 2oz zpacks carried light loads acceptably although the sweaty back thing is more pronounced with it.

[delete this account]

 

[Area54]

I bought an Octane XCT a few years ago, nice lightweight pack, no padding/insulation around bladder (so body heat goes straight into the bladder) kinda reminds me of the race packs/vests from Nathan.